Fire Breaks Out on Brooklyn Bridge During Independence Day Celebrations

While President Trump praised the Brooklyn Bridge as “one of the greatest architectural feats of all time” during a speech on the National Mall, firefighters in New York City were working late Saturday night to contain a fire on the bridge.

This incident marked a striking contrast to the two grand fireworks displays held in New York City and in the nation’s capital, which occurred late Saturday into early Sunday. A fire erupted during the July 4th fireworks in New York, where onlookers observed flames and smoke emerging from the bridge before firefighters managed to put it out. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

The city’s fire department utilized two fire engines to battle the blaze, which took place while the bridge was closed to traffic for the show. Officials moved the fireworks display ahead in the schedule due to severe weather concerns that led to the cancellation or delay of other celebrations up and down the East Coast.

That also included Washington, D.C., where stormy conditions forced the evacuation of crowds on the National Mall.

Interestingly, President Trump had just celebrated that very bridge in his “Salute to America 250” speech. “We also raised the flag for the first time over the greatest architectural feat of all time, the Brooklyn Bridge, one of the most beautiful bridges in the world,” he remarked during a speech that was also postponed by summer thunderstorms.

Trump referred to the Brooklyn Bridge while praising American history, mentioning notable figures such as Davy Crockett and Annie Oakley. “These were great, powerful people whose wonderful grandchildren just happen to be with us tonight,” he said, marking the moment with a flag waving on the Brooklyn Bridge.

Additionally, he recognized the first American flag that was carried westward alongside Lewis and Clark in 1803. “Thank you very much. I’m glad you’re here. I’m glad you’re celebrating this bold and indomitable spirit of America,” he concluded.